Tropiques Criminels, the popular French crime series, is back with its sixth season, premiering on France 2 starting March 14, 2025. With its enticing blend of murder mysteries and personal stories set against the beautiful backdrop of Martinique, this season continues to captivate audiences.
The first episode of the season, titled "Rivière salée," presents the intriguing case of Erica Jones, the director of a pole dance school who has been murdered. The menacing environment surrounding the school, evidenced by threats and petitions from local residents aiming to shut it down, adds layers to the plot. Gaëlle Crivelli (Béatrice de La Boulaye) and Mélissa Sainte-Rose (Sonia Rolland) find themselves delving deep to understand the circumstances surrounding Erica's death, which links to various elements including criminal elements within the local nightlife.
With eight new episodes slated for this season, each running approximately 52 minutes, viewers can expect a mix of intense investigation and character-driven narratives, particularly as both Melinda and Gaëlle navigate their relationships amid professional challenges.
Sonia Rolland and Béatrice de La Boulaye, who embody the show's leads, have shared insights about their off-screen bond and how it influences their performances. "We live just 100 meters apart but have very different lifestyles," Rolland commented, emphasizing their close relationship. "Béa needs to unwind and let loose with evening parties, whereas I tend to be more solitary.”
Despite their differences, their friendship mirrors the dynamics of their characters, creating a palpable chemistry on screen. This familial support is reflected both during filming and outside of work, becoming evident through their shared experiences and the camaraderie with their castmates.
Both actresses noted the series' evolution since its inception; it initially highlighted straightforward police work but increasingly embraces romantic elements interspersed with comedic moments, making it more relatable and entertaining for viewers. “We've moved from pure crime drama to something richer, layering our characters' private lives with the police work,” La Boulaye stated.
Interestingly, Rolland also revealed the preparation she undertook for her role this season. Ahead of her undercover assignment at the pole dance club, she committed to taking dance lessons for two months. “I enjoyed the challenge of pole dancing. It was important for me to portray the character authentically, even to show her clumsiness during her performance,” she explained. "Setting aside the physical difficulty, it’s anything but easy to perform such scenes in front of the camera, especially when you strip down to perform!" she added with laughter.
Tropiques Criminels continues to attract nearly 4 million viewers every season, becoming not just another crime series but one steeped deeply in the cultural essence of its setting. The unique environment of Martinique serves not merely as stunning scenery but shapes the narratives woven through the characters' interactions.
While the cast enjoys the advantages of filming on the beautiful island, the process is not without its difficulties. Rolland acknowledged the personal challenge of balancing family life with the demands of shooting, as much time is spent away from home. Conversely, La Boulaye finds it easier to manage the distance by adapting her home life to fit the production schedule. "I relocate my family unit during filming time; it turns out to be quite enjoyable," she explained.
The strong narrative arcs and character-filled plots of Tropiques Criminels are also supplemented by various guest stars, enriching the storylines. Throughout the series, familiar faces return, enhancing both the comedy and drama.
With the first episode already generating buzz, the excitement around Tropiques Criminels seems as vibrant as the landscapes it is filmed against. With engaging plots, relatable characters, and authentic friendships shining through, the sixth season promises to deliver everything fans have come to love about the series and more.
"We know we can always count on each other on set," La Boulaye said, referring to the family-like bond formed over years of working together. This unique co-working dynamic seems to extend beyond just Rolland and La Boulaye. Fellow cast members often mingle, forging more than professional connections — they are truly invested as friends.
This mutual support extends to handling occasional disagreements, which La Boulaye reveals, are part of the organic nature of working together long term. These tensions, she insists, are rare but do lead to important conversations, making their ‘family’ even stronger.
Overall, Tropiques Criminels remains committed to its mission of entertaining viewers, introducing them to the vibrant life and spirit of Martinique, all whilst tackling serious subjects through their engaging stories. The production looks forward to filming the seventh season after this one wraps up, keeping the momentum and excitement alive and well.